Lasagna Soup brings together the comforting, rich flavors of traditional lasagna but in a hearty, one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners. This soup offers a delicious combination of savory broth, tender pasta, flavorful meat, and creamy cheese in every bite. If you’re a fan of lasagna, you’ll love how this soup simplifies the classic dish without losing any of the deliciousness.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make this incredible soup, offer some variations for dietary preferences, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure your lasagna soup turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup combines everything you love about lasagna into a much easier, quicker recipe. Instead of layering noodles and waiting for them to bake, this soup allows you to build flavor in a single pot. The pasta cooks right in the broth, absorbing all the rich flavors of the tomato-based sauce.
For those looking for even more ways to simplify mealtime, this soup can be made ahead and stored for easy weeknight dinners. It also freezes well, so you can batch-cook and save it for later.
If you’re looking for another easy and hearty meal, try our ultimate chicken alfredo recipe. It’s creamy, satisfying, and also quick to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best lasagna soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Use a combination of both for a richer flavor, or stick with ground beef for a leaner version.
- Onion and garlic: The base of any good soup starts with sautéed aromatics.
- Tomato paste and marinara sauce: These add richness and depth to the broth.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Choose your preferred broth base for the soup.
- Lasagna noodles: Break the noodles into smaller pieces to cook directly in the soup.
- Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses: This trio of cheeses mimics the cheesy filling of traditional lasagna.
- Seasonings: Dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes add flavor to the soup.
For a complete ingredient list with measurements, check out our best lasagna soup recipe, where you’ll find all the details for making this dish at home.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
1. Brown the Meat
In a large pot, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks, then drain the excess fat and set the meat aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Don’t rush this step! Browning the onions and garlic properly adds layers of flavor to the lasagna soup.
3. Build the Soup Base
Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, and your seasonings—basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Then, add the broth and return the cooked meat to the pot.
Tip: For extra flavor, make your own broth at home. Check out this article on benefits of homemade broth for tips and a guide.
4. Add the Pasta
Once the soup is simmering, break lasagna noodles into small pieces and add them to the pot. Let the soup cook until the pasta is tender, usually around 10 minutes.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This cheese mixture is the crowning glory of your lasagna soup, providing that creamy, cheesy bite in every spoonful.
6. Serve the Soup
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
Variations of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is highly customizable based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
To make this dish vegetarian, skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth to maintain a vegetarian base.
For a rich and creamy vegetarian option, add a spoonful of ricotta or cottage cheese on top, just as you would with traditional lasagna.
Vegan Lasagna Soup
Making a vegan version is simple. Substitute the meat with plant-based alternatives or load the soup with hearty vegetables like eggplant and spinach. You can also make your own vegan ricotta using cashews, which offers a creamy and rich topping for your soup.
Looking for more ways to enjoy plant-based meals? Check out our vegetarian ground beef recipes for additional ideas.
Gluten-Free Option
You can easily make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Be sure to check that your broth and seasonings are also gluten-free to avoid any issues.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup
- Don’t overcook the noodles: The pasta should be cooked al dente, meaning it still has a little bite. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when reheating the soup.
- Make it ahead: This soup can be made in advance, but leave out the pasta until you’re ready to serve. Add the cooked pasta at the end so it doesn’t become overly soft.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes well, but we recommend freezing it without the pasta. You can cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy the soup.
For more freezing tips, check out this helpful guide on how to freeze soups effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything except the pasta to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add the pasta in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
How can I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
If you plan to have leftovers or are making the soup ahead, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This prevents them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming too soft.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While lasagna noodles give this soup a more traditional lasagna feel, you can use any short pasta, such as penne or rigatoni. For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, check out this guide on how to cook pasta every time.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Parmesan and mozzarella are staples, but feel free to experiment with other mild cheeses you have on hand.
Nutritional Information
While lasagna soup is a hearty, filling dish, here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 27g
- Sodium: 621mg
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can reduce the cheese or use leaner meats. For a low-carb alternative, try replacing the lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles.
Conclusion For Lasagna Soup Recipe
Lasagna soup is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy the rich flavors of lasagna without all the layering and baking. Whether you’re a fan of traditional lasagna or looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite flavors, this soup is sure to become a household favorite.
Looking for more delicious recipes? Be sure to try our banana bread cinnamon rolls or explore our ultimate carrot cake recipe for your next baking adventure!